The Government has pledged to bring forward legislation that will make it a specific offence to steal pets.
According to the findings of the Government's Pet Theft Taskforce, around 2,000 much-loved family dogs were stolen from their owners in 2020. Dog thefts account for the overwhelming majority of animal thefts (around 70%), but only around 0.5% of all recorded thefts.
Between 2019 and 2020 the number of dog thefts increased by 3.5%, despite the number of all reported thefts falling by 26%. It is believed the coronavirus pandemic is fuelling the demand for dogs.
Current legislation, specifically the Theft Act 1968, treats the theft of pets in a similar way to that of any other property. Treating pets in a materialistic way fails to take into account the significant emotional bond between owners, their families and their animals.
The Pet Theft Taskforce made the following recommendations:
1. The creation of a new pet abduction offence.
Pet theft is currently treated as a loss of property to the owner, but we know that does not reflect the true severity of this crime. The new offence will prioritise the welfare of our pets as sentient beings and recognise the emotional distress to the animal in addition to its owner.
2. Identifying and tracking cases.
Reliable data on pet theft is limited and improved recording and data collection about these crimes will build a stronger evidence base about the problem.
3. Improving the recording of ownership and transfer data.
New requirements to register additional details and a single point of access to microchipping databases will support tracking lost and stolen dogs.
4. Tackling the fear of crime.
Police will work together with partner agencies to raise awareness about police initiatives and prevention measures.
The Government hopes that implementing these recommendations will make it far easier for the authorities to detect stolen pets and far harder for criminals to steal and dispose of pets.
The Rt. Hon. George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: "Pets are much loved members of the family in households up and down the country, and reports of a rise in pet theft have been worrying. Pet owners shouldn't have to live in fear, and I am pleased this report acknowledges the unique distress caused by this crime.
"Its recommendations will reassure pet owners, help the police to tackle pet theft, and deliver justice for victims. We will consider its findings carefully and work with colleagues across Government to start implementing its recommendations."
The Rt. Hon. Robert Buckland MP QC, the Lord Chancellor, said: "Many of us have sought the companionship of pets during the pandemic which makes this crime even more cruel.
"These proposals will make sure police can better identify and track down criminals who peddle in this heartless trade, whilst ensuring they are appropriately punished for their actions."
Although there has been no official confirmation, rumour has it that the maximum penalty for the new offence of pet abduction will be somewhere in the region of 5 to 7 years.
As an animal lover I am massively in favour of this proposed new legislation. As I have said before, I love my dog to death and he is treated very much as part of the family. I would be utterly devastated if any harm came to him or any criminal stole him.
I hope the Government's army of lawyers will consider the text of the new legislation carefully. The word "pet" doesn't quite cover it - a working animal, although not strictly a pet, can be every bit as valuable and emotionally-attached to its owner - I'm thinking sheep dogs, guide dogs and that sort of thing.
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